Rodney Eade to coach Balwyn in Eastern Football League

FORMER AFL mentor Rodney Eade is moving to the suburbs, taking over as coach of one of Melbourne’s most successful suburban clubs.

Rodney Eade is returning to local footy after a decorated AFL career.

EASTERN Football League power Balwyn has made a sensational switch of coach, appointing Rodney Eade for 2018.

Tigers president Richard Wilson confirmed late tonight that former Sydney Swans, Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast coach Eade would be taking over after the resignation of Marty Pask.

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Pask steered the Tigers to the finals last year after succeeding premiership mentor Daniel Donati at the end of 2016.

Former Hawthorn star Eade finished his 377-game AFL career at the Suns with three rounds to go last year.

Eade had success at the Western Bulldogs.

In a statement to Leader, Wilson said: “After 2017 post-season discussions and more recent pre-season discussions, the club’s head coach, Marty Pask, has regretfully advised he can no longer coach Balwyn Football Club in season 2018.

“Marty’s business interests have grown significantly in the past 12 months and the demands on his time as head coach can no longer be sustained commensurate to his business ambitions.

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“Marty led the club to finals in his first year and then the club’s off-season recruiting program.

“The club recently met with Marty and he confirmed his inability to coach Balwyn Football Club.

“Balwyn Football Club wishes Marty all the best in his business endeavours and thanks him for our contribution to our club.

Former Swans coach Eade at the SCG in 2000.

“As a result Balwyn Football Club is extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Rodney Eade as senior coach for season 2018.’’

The statement quoted Eade as saying he was “passionate about coaching and the opportunity to continue my coaching career at Balwyn, where my sons have played, is an opportunity to give back to the football community. I am looking forward to working with this highly successful community club.’’

Wilson said the appointment represented “one of those unique circumstances where a community club has the opportunity to bring in a person who has coached at the highest level’’.